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Gift for a newborn

24 replies

K8eee · 14/05/2013 10:29

So a close friend had just given birth to a beautiful baby boy and I want to get her a gift. She already has all the baby grows, and toys as she had her eldest nearly 2 years ago so I'm sure she has enough of the essentials. Just after some gift ideas that I could get for her or baby that are unusual or something that she may really appreciate that she can keep. Any ideas appreciated Smile x

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catscherrygirl23 · 14/05/2013 11:20

something personalised for their room is always nice & will last much longer than clothes etc - see www.dottyanglaise.com/

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 11:24

Thanks catscherrygirl. Shall take a look Smile I did wonder whether I should go down the route of nappies, wipes etc but am a bit unsure what the most useful things are as I have yet to have children Sad

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catscherrygirl23 · 14/05/2013 11:36

well nappies/wipes are certainly useful and will definitely get used :-) guess its a weigh up between something functional vs something nice they might not get themselves yet being something to their taste too! my friends sister does this website & she got me the name star/hearts for my 2 little ones - i thought they were lovely to hang in their rooms but not too obtrusive. sorry to hear that - hope you might have the need for one of your own soon x

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LittleBells · 14/05/2013 11:42

How about a pram blanket? It's nice to have some new things for the new baby and actually, I associated blankets with each baby far more than clothes or toys. ie I would have felt funny using DC1's blanket on DC2! (but didn't mind reusing clothes or toys). You could go for something traditional (cotton) or modern (fleece) and you can have the fleece ones personalised with the name.

A really nice brush and comb set is useful and again, it's nice to have a new one for each child.

Have a look at Not on the High street.com for personalised baby gifts. You can get a framed birth details print containing name, weight, etc. which is lovely to keep.

Don't get hand/footprints set, or baby book (often duplicated gift or the mum will have sorted one out herself), or photo album (often goes unusued). Teddies are dust-gatherers unless they are handmade and then they are guilt-inducing dust-gatherers. Smile.

However a photo frame goes down well (with New Baby/Our Family etc type thing (ideally subtle) unless she's very chic and would never put a family photo in a "our family" frame!

In terms of nappies and wipes etc, it's a nice practical idea for a first baby, but by DC2, she will be used to chucking all that stuff in the trolley so it's not quite as much of a novelty gift to receive for a DC2 Grin

A nice touch is something small for mum. I got some bath salts and a small box of chocs just for me and I reallyreally loved that Smile
Flowers get a little bit in the way so if you were thinking flowers, just a small bunch and bring your own vase Smile unless you think she won't have any.

It's lovely you are so thoughtful.

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Purplehonesty · 14/05/2013 11:43

I've just made a patchwork baby blanket, it's padded so you use it like a baby play mat really. It's for my dh's colleague who just had a baby girl. I make them for most newborns and everyone loves them as they are all different and I try to use vintage looking fabrics.
They are so easy to make, could you do something like that? I could give you pointers if you can use a sewing machine

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 12:00

Yeah the whole nappies and wipes thing is a bit boring but practical, but could put maybe a packet of each just to bulk the gift up. That's the other thing, what size do I buy?!

I had a nosey on notonthehighstreet and john Lewis and found an adorable cuddly lamb but I do remember when I was at her flat last time ds1 has LOADS of cuddle toys so I'm sure she will end up sharing his stuff or they will get mixed up and both kids will play with them.

I wish I had the time Purple, I work pretty much 7 days a week and I think I've only ever used a sewing machine once Sad I think if I had time I would give it a go! Sounds a beautiful idea though Smile

Are vests, grows and muslin cloths handy as a gift? Would they be worn out from previous dc?

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Twinklestarstwinklestars · 14/05/2013 12:08

I've just bought a baby bug in a rug for my dc3 due soon, you can wrap baby up and still strap them into car seats etc without the blanket falling off etc I thought it looked a good idea.

Maybe get size 2/3 nappies in case they are a bigger baby but nappies are a bit of a personal choice and not all brands suit all babies.

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Twinklestarstwinklestars · 14/05/2013 12:09

I find Muslins very handy but only discovered them with ds2 and not everyone uses them, they are great for mopping up sick etc.

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 12:13

Twinklestars I have just googled this and it looks amazing! And reasonably priced too! Smile

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Twinklestarstwinklestars · 14/05/2013 12:57

I bought the summer one as due in July and it is quite thin but will be good just as an extra layer then will get a fleecy one if I like using it for winter.

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 13:04

Do they come in various sizes dependant in age, or is it one size fits all?

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Twinklestarstwinklestars · 14/05/2013 13:08

There are different sizes small which was upto 3 months I think, 3-6, 6-9 I'd get a bigger one if you're thinking of getting one so it'll last into winter, I got mine off amazon and it was free shipping too but you pay £2.50 I think on their site

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StillSlightlyCrumpled · 14/05/2013 13:14

Nappy cakes are a great idea, using nappies, blankets, muslins, toys etc.

Depending on how handy you are you could make one yourself of order from a professional company.

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 13:22

I have seen nappycakes and they look amazing! Need to find one local though :-/ thanks ladies and shall look on amazon for the rugSmile

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StillSlightlyCrumpled · 14/05/2013 13:28

Most of the people that make them have Facebook pages. Try there? Most do free delivery in their local area. expert Wink

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 13:46

I have found one which I can pass by and pick up from on my way to visit (I live 2 and a half hours away) have sent her a message so fingers crossed I'll get a reply soon! Smile

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AnythingNotEverything · 14/05/2013 13:52

Buy something for the older one too!

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AnythingNotEverything · 14/05/2013 13:56

Buy something for the older one too!

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StillSlightlyCrumpled · 14/05/2013 14:01

Glad you are sorted. Smile

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K8eee · 14/05/2013 14:38

Oh yes! I always get him a little something, and he's so into his cars so that's nice and easy Smile I suppose I could make up a little pamper pack up for mum so she can look after herself of an evening if she gets a bit of time to herself.

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clarasebal · 18/09/2013 19:24

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lovelymummy100 · 10/06/2015 13:01

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Vikkijayne2507 · 17/09/2015 10:41

2 things I liked were a hand print maker so they can take a newborn hand/ footprint ( their hands are difficult to open). I also later on really like my new mum box my friend made me that had soothing bath lotion, massage oil, a couple of treats a fave book so when she gets a an hour off ( may be awhile yet) she can relax

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Lilipot15 · 17/09/2015 10:47

A good present I got was a box with basic vests, babygros for older age groups,ie a batch of 3-6 months, 6-9 months. I have bought some of these sort of things again for my second as they get washed so much first time round it's nice to have at least a few things fresh for the new baby!
If you're buying other clothes for older age groups make sure they are appropriate for what season it'll be, ie not summer dresses for winter etc....

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